AIBU to think people who are anti cyclists are hypocrites

[microfight]

I am always hearing people moan about cyclists and the normal argument is that they don't pay road tax and they jump red lights and generally a menace on the roads.
I was wondering how many of these people who moan about them jumping red lights do exactly the same thing as a pedestrian. I would say on my average cycle journey I have to shout, brake or ring my bell three or more times because a pedestrian has stepped out without looking or crossed the road when the red man is lit.

So, AIBU to think that many of the anti cycle brigade must be hypocrites because they don't abide by the highway code themselves.

There are plenty of motorists that jump red lights, don't pay road tax and drive uninsured too. Plus break the speed limit, overtake on double white lights, cut up cyclists and generally treat other road users like shite.

*lines

microfight - good name

i think on oxford street, sheer weight of numbers of pedestrians makes it a difficult environment for all road users, including cars. i work nearby, and it's a zoo for taxis, buses, everyone.

i agree everyone should be checking before they cross - i do - but lots of the side streets you are complaining about don't have lights to cross and people just cross if there are no cars and they think it's safe to cross.

curryspice
I agree with you there are terrible cyclists out there....Can you not at least acknowledge that pedestrians also walk down Oxford Street without looking to see if cars or cyclists are turning left into the side streets they are about to step out onto? Can you not acknowledge that pedestrians jump off the kerb to pass other slower pedestrians into the cyclist path? and pedestrians dart across the road between traffic?

to give an example, how many drivers use a mobile when driving, and moan when they get caught speeding? How many pedestrians step out into the road without looking.

If we were all a lot more considerate, we wouldn't have half the problems we do

But Micro as a Londoner I also have to argue that Oxford street or the roads nearby, are not normal roads in London or anywhere because of overcrowding in that part of London on the roads and pavement. Everyone there behaves appallingly due to a rush and crush environment. Around Marble arch I would say the cars are worse, but on Oxford St I would say the cyclists without a doubt. I think Oxford st shouldn't be used as an example because the environment there is just not the norm anyway.

But as for the rest of London, I stick with my statement above. Cyclists are a nightmare for me.

Thanks for the understanding though

At the end of the day we could all stand to be a bit more considerate, I just think cyclists are the worst for me personally.

What cumbria81 said.

Drive a bit slower?? Pfft. I could walk faster than some of them. It's basic manners to pull over when you are holding up the flow of traffic, whether you are in the car, a pedestrian, in a tractor or on a bike.

But it is my regular experience that everybody respects that except the cyclists. A bit more consideration for all on the road, by all on the road, could save lives. And I do think it's a bit stupid to be so self entitled when you are so vulnerable to injury on a bike.

I'm sure they do, yes microfight. I'm not quite stupid enough to think "2 feet good, 2 wheels bad" :o

But pedestrians are very vulnerable and as a cyclist you need to take them into account. It would seem that many cyclists don't

And my point about tourists on Oxford Street is, I think valid and cyclists should exercise more care because of it

Still no one wanting to put their hands up? Go on one of you who has complained about cyclists behaviour must regularly walk across the road when the red man is still on? Really don't be shy

I don't - and certainly not in London. Sorry to spoil your theory OP

Yes YABU. I am not a hypocrite for hating the cyclist who was not looking where she was going in Richmond Park last week and who knocked down my mum and 3 year old DS. My DS has lost his two front teeth, had a horrible time in A and E and is tearful every time he recounts the story. It breaks my heart when he keeps saying "I want my teeth back".

I don't micro fight. I teach my children by example to wait for the green man. Happy now? Do o get a medal?

I am the world's most neurotic and careful pedestrian. I always wait for the green man. the cyclists in my neighbourhood are driving me mad - have been reduced to shouting and shaking my fist at them running lights. I shout and shake fist every day.

curryspice
But as pedestrians you shouldn't walk across the road while the red man is on, it has caused me to nearly come off my bike several times.

Bloody cyclists. I hate them with their tight little lycra-clad arses and their alien goggles and their go-faster funny-shaped helmets with the pointy bit on the back. I hate that they don't get out of the bloody way immediately when a superior being arrives behind them, i.e. me.

If they want to go on the road they should get a bloody car!

BTW I'm in Devon, little country lanes. Often I'm late for work and guess what's up ahead? A stupid cyclist who won't pull in to let me pass.

Clarification: I can't ride a bike. .

And I don't look good in lycra.

That's a shocking story about the cycliist running down the little boy and granny. They should be made to take tests and acquire licenses.

I didn;t think we had laws against people walking across the road???

Also cycling on pavements - should be huge whacking fines for that.

I know microfight that's why I don't do it - as I said in my previous post. HTH

Every driver should be made to ride a bike for a day. You'd crap yourself.

Thesethingsaregoodthings
I am so sorry that happened to you, that is terrible.

My point is not about hating cyclists it is merely that SOME people who hate cyclist because 'they are a menace on the road' might possibly be hypocrites because they themselves flout the law and highway code as pedestrians with the potential to cause serious harm.

That being said I hope you mum's okay and your son recovers too.

sorry curryspice crossed posts

Cycle paths on the pavement should be banned, all cyclists should be on the road and if another one clips me as they rush past I may shout at them!